Human rights sources have reported the death of Bilel Raafat Mohamed Ali, aged 55, from the village of Bani Quraish – Minya al-Qamh district, following a coma caused by a severe cerebral haemorrhage whilst in custody at Minya al-Qamh Police Station.
According to verified testimonies, the deceased had suffered from polio since childhood. Despite his deteriorating health condition, he had been detained for the fifth time. Last Thursday, he fell into a coma and was transferred to Minya al-Qamh Hospital, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. However, he subsequently passed away and was buried that night in his hometown.
Human rights organisations have pointed out that the detention facility in which he was held lacked the most basic healthcare provisions, amid recurring testimonies of the worsening health conditions of detainees, particularly those suffering from chronic illnesses or disabilities. This reflects a deeply troubling pattern of medical neglect, amounting to a serious violation of the right to life and healthcare, as protected under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Thousands of political prisoners in Egypt continue to endure harsh detention conditions, including solitary confinement, denial of family visits, malnutrition, and systematic medical neglect — a reality that exposes the complete collapse of the rule of law and lays bare the government’s hollow claims of respecting human rights.
We call for an impartial and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Bilel Raafat Mohamed Ali and for those responsible for the failure to provide necessary medical care to be held accountable. We further urge the international community and relevant human rights organisations to closely monitor the conditions of detention centres and ensure their compliance with international standards regarding the rights of prisoners, including the right to access medical treatment without discrimination.
